Wait between urination and intercourse - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Wait between urination and intercourse

November 25, 2012

Question

My kallah teacher taught me that after urinating, we should be careful to wait 9 minutes until having intercourse. But sometimes this makes things very difficult for me and my husband. It's getting frustrating for us. Can you shed some light?

Answer

The Mishna Brurah (240:54) quotes a kabbalistic concern that due to a "sheid beit hakisei" (bathroom demon) attaching to a person after using the bathroom, one should refrain from intercourse for a period of time after using the bathroom. There are different opinions as to how long one needs to wait. This is not considered an actual halacha, but merely advice, and many opinions do not require any period of separation at all. Therefore if it causes you any difficulty you may suffice with the brief amount of time it takes you to go from the bathroom to your bed as a sufficient waiting period.

B'Hatzlacha!